Enhancing the Students’ Library Books Borrowing Skills in University Colleges in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Sector in Sri Lanka: Present Problems and Factors Affecting

Abstract

Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector is one of the major sectors which based on job oriented learning system that produce skilled labour into the job market in Sri Lanka. The "University Colleges" are newly established concerns in TVET sector, which is essential and it has a significant contribution for producing skilled middle level technical and managerial personnel for filling the gap of labour markets in Sri Lanka. The 09 courses offered from "University College of Matara (UCM)”, focus on teaching and giving training on industrial-specific skills. The Library facility is very important for providing essential support for teachers and students, for achieving their information needs under the workplace-based environment. The purpose of this paper is to identify factors affecting for enhancing students’ borrowing skills of library books and identifying the main problems students face when borrowing.

This research is based on Hypothesis testing used for four independent variables (examination reference purpose, Laboratory/Workshop practical module reference purpose, teacher’s guide book reference purpose and additional reference reading purpose) that were examined for their relationship with students’ borrowing skills. The sample consists of top borrowers, and 60 students had been selected from University College of Matara during the period from 2016 to 2018. The population of the study is University Colleges in the TVET sector in Sri Lanka. The structured interviews method which used five-point scale weighted questions were used for the data collection in this study.

The study demonstrated that statistical evidence to teacher's guide books was significantly associated with enhancing students’ borrowing skills. Lack of English language skills, lack of reading interest were identified as problems for students’ borrowing. The study suggests the need of changing the teacher's teaching behaviour, such as using a reference book, guide book or any text materials for the daily lessons, which assists to enhance students’ borrowing skills.